Fall Colors with Your Pup: Scenic Drives and Dog-Friendly Stops in the Blue Ridge

Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is pure magic — fiery reds, golden yellows, and glowing oranges blanket the ridges and valleys, making Western North Carolina one of the most popular leaf-peeping destinations in the country. If you’re traveling with your pup,

even better — crisp air and colorful trails are best enjoyed with four paws alongside you!

Here’s your guide to the best dog-friendly scenic drives and stops in Western NC for fall leaf-peeping.

blue ridge mountains in fall

When to Catch Peak Colors in WNC

Late September – Early October: High elevations above 5,000 ft (Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell).
Mid to Late October: Mid-elevation spots (Asheville, Pisgah National Forest, Linville Gorge).
Late October – Early November: Lower valleys (Brevard, Hendersonville, Chimney Rock).

The National Park Service shares foliage updates for the Parkway each year (NPS.gov), and the Blue Ridge Parkway Association posts color reports and guides (blueridgeparkway.org).

blue ridge parkway fall road

Top Scenic Drives with Your Pup in WNC

1. Blue Ridge Parkway (Asheville to Cherokee)

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a must in Western NC, especially the section stretching south of Asheville toward Cherokee. With dozens of overlooks and hiking trails, you’ll have plenty of dog-friendly stops (RomanticAsheville.com Guide).

Waterrock Knob (Milepost 451.2): Panoramic views at one of the highest Parkway overlooks.
Graveyard Fields (Milepost 418.8): A short hike to waterfalls through stunning autumn colors.
Devil’s Courthouse (Milepost 422.4): A challenging but short hike with sweeping views.
Black Balsam Knob (Milepost 420): Open mountaintop “balds” with spectacular 360° views.

dog at pond in fall

2. Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway (Pisgah National Forest)

This 79-mile loop just west of Asheville and Brevard offers waterfalls, mountain streams, and dense forests (DestinationMcdowell.com).

Dog-friendly highlights include:

Looking Glass Falls: One of NC’s most photographed waterfalls, easily accessible and pup-friendly.
Moore Cove Falls Trail: A short 1.5-mile hike leading to a curtain-style waterfall.
Sliding Rock: Dogs can’t slide, but they’ll love splashing around nearby.

craggy gardens mountain view

3. NC Highway 276 (Brevard to Parkway)

A winding route that connects Brevard to the Parkway, perfect for a shorter scenic drive.

Cradle of Forestry: Pet-friendly grounds where you can explore historic forestry sites.

Along the way:

Pisgah Ranger Station: A good stop for trail maps and pup-friendly tips (OurState.com). dog ears mountain landscape

4. Chimney Rock & Hickory Nut Gorge

For lower-elevation leaf-peeping, take a drive east of Hendersonville to Chimney Rock Village. Leashed pets are allowed on most trails in Chimney Rock State Park, including the Outcroppings Trail to the iconic rock formation with panoramic views (ChimneyRockPark.com). fall mountain sunset

Dog-Friendly Hikes & Breaks Along the Way

Western NC is full of trails where pups are welcome:

Catawba Falls (Old Fort, NC): A moderate hike to a stunning waterfall (destinationmcdowell.com).
DuPont State Forest (near Brevard): Over 80 miles of trails, including the famous Triple Falls and High Falls hikes.
Carrier Park (Asheville): A local favorite for dogs to stretch their legs.
French Broad River Park (Asheville): Includes a fenced dog park for off-leash play.

(AllTrails – Blue Ridge Parkway Dog Trails)

dog on hike in fall

A Sample WNC Leaf-Peeping Itinerary (3 Days, Pup-Friendly):

Day 1: Drive the Parkway from Asheville → Graveyard Fields → Black Balsam Knob.

Day 2: Explore Pisgah National Forest (Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Sliding Rock).

Day 3: Head to DuPont State Forest and Chimney Rock for hikes and lower-elevation color.

Pup Travel Tips for Fall in WNC:

Keep dogs leashed — cliffs and wildlife are common.
Pack extra water and a collapsible bowl.
Watch for slippery leaves and wet rocks.
Bring layers — temps drop quickly at higher elevations.
Leave no trace — pack out waste to protect these special landscapes.

Barkwells Pond Fall Leaves

About Barkwells: Your Dog’s Mountain Retreat

For those who haven’t visited us yet, Barkwells is a unique dog-centric vacation retreat located right here in the heart of Western North Carolina. With private cabins in Mills River and Brevard, each featuring fenced yards, porches, and pup-friendly amenities, Barkwells is designed so you and your dog can fully relax and explore the mountains together.

Leaf-peeping season is one of the most beautiful times to stay with us. After a day of chasing waterfalls, hiking trails, and soaking in mountain views, you can unwind in a hot tub or by the fireplace while your pup stretches out safely in their own yard.

When you’re ready to experience the best of fall in the Blue Ridge — with your dog by your side — Barkwells is the paw-fect home base.

Learn more about staying at Barkwells →